Budget of $28.7 million for New Kent schools proposed

By Andre Jones | February 19, 2014 9:29 pm

New Kent School Board proposed a $28,701,589 budget for the 2014-15 school year.

School board members convened Tuesday night for a work session to view superintendent of schools Dr. Rick Richardson’s proposed numbers. Using the governor’s figures, Richardson’s budget is based on an average daily membership (ADM) of 2,910 students for the school system.

Of the $28.7 million, $26,618,815 will be accounted for school operations. Richardson’s numbers are based on the local government providing flat funding ($12,534,595) and state funding of $13,117,200. The $13.1 million figure from the state is an increase of $458,549 from the FY 2013-14 school budget. For the current school year, schools are operating on $12,658,651 in state funds, with a total operating fund of $25,387,746.

Baseline adjustments for New Kent schools are the phase-in of teacher increased salaries ($156,279), mandatory increases in state-determined benefit rates (VRS, GLI, RHCC) in a total amount of $440,001, and an estimated health insurance premium increase ($216,374). With all adjustments accounted for, the school system is projected to start with a deficit of $197,826.

Additional contributing factors built into the proposed budget include a unified salary scale ($17,823), instructional needs that include the proposed hiring of a math teacher and special education teacher at New Kent High School ($136,058), a clinical aide at the high school ($25,023), and four supplements to help with critical instructional technology issues ($4,745). Operating expenditures for instruction, technology, deferred maintenance, and other key items total $199,994.

Not factored into the proposed budget are six other positions for New Kent schools. Among them are three fine art teachers (elementary art teacher, middle school choir and drama teachers), an HVAC technician, a network administrator, and elementary school guidance counselor.

School board members will reconvene and receive public input at a future meeting.